The world of football was left reeling on July 3, 2025, when news broke of the tragic car crash that claimed the lives of Liverpool and Portugal star Diogo Jota and his brother André Silva. The accident, which occurred on the A-52 highway near Cernadilla, Spain, was a devastating blow to fans, teammates, and the global football community. Jota, aged 28, and his brother, a professional footballer for Penafiel, were driving to Santander to catch a ferry to England when their Lamborghini suffered a suspected tire blowout, veered off the road, and caught fire. The loss of the beloved forward, who had just married his childhood sweetheart Rute Cardoso 11 days prior, left an indelible mark on those who knew him and the sport he illuminated with his talent and infectious joy.

Amidst the outpouring of grief, a poignant story emerged from Jota’s home in Porto, Portugal, where his family—wife Rute and their three young children—grappled with their unimaginable loss. At the heart of this story is Luna, Jota’s loyal dog, whose behavior in the days following the tragedy captured the hearts of many. Every day since the crash, Luna would run straight to Jota’s closet, lying among his clothes as if searching for his presence. But one day, Luna’s routine changed—she dragged out one of Jota’s match boots and refused to let go, a moment that spoke volumes about the bond between the footballer and his beloved pet. This article explores Luna’s story, weaving together the emotional weight of Jota’s passing, the loyalty of his dog, and the legacy of a man who was more than just a footballer.

The Tragedy That Shook the Football World

Diogo Jota was a household name in football, known for his electrifying performances on the pitch. Born Diogo José Teixeira da Silva on December 4, 1996, in Porto, Portugal, Jota rose through the ranks of Portuguese football before making his mark at Wolverhampton Wanderers and later Liverpool, where he became a key figure in their 2024-25 Premier League title-winning campaign. With 65 goals in 182 appearances for the Reds, Jota’s contributions were instrumental in securing the FA Cup, League Cup, and the Premier League title. His international career was equally illustrious, with 14 goals in 49 appearances for Portugal, culminating in a Nations League triumph just weeks before his death.

The fatal crash occurred in the early hours of July 3, 2025, as Jota and his b

rother André drove through northwestern Spain. According to Spain’s Guardia Civil, the Lamborghini Huracan they were traveling in suffered a tire blowout while overtaking another vehicle, causing it to veer off the A-52 highway and burst into flames. Reports suggested Jota was likely driving, possibly at a speed exceeding the 120 km/h limit, though conflicting accounts from lorry drivers who witnessed the incident claimed the road’s poor condition may have contributed. The brothers were en route to Santander to catch a ferry to England, as Jota had been advised against flying following a recent lung procedure. The tragedy, occurring just 11 days after Jota’s wedding to Rute Cardoso, left their family, friends, and fans in profound shock.

Luna: A Symbol of Unwavering Loyalty

In the days following the crash, stories of Jota’s personal life began to surface, painting a picture of a man who was not only a footballing genius but also a devoted husband, father, and pet owner. Among these stories was that of Luna, Jota’s dog, whose actions became a touching testament to the bond she shared with her owner. Luna, a beloved member of the Jota-Cardoso household, was known to fans through Jota’s social media posts, where she often appeared alongside his three children—Denis, Duarte, and their baby sister. Jota’s love for Luna was evident, and she was a constant presence during family moments, from casual days at home to celebrations on the Anfield pitch.

After Jota’s passing, Rute Cardoso shared a heartbreaking observation with close family members, which was later reported by local Portuguese media. Every morning, Luna would run to Jota’s closet, where his clothes, including his match-worn kits and boots, were kept. The dog would lie among his belongings, her nose buried in his shirts and jackets, as if trying to hold onto his scent. This ritual continued for weeks, a silent expression of grief that mirrored the family’s own. “It was like she was waiting for him to come back,” Rute reportedly said, her voice heavy with emotion. The image of Luna, curled up in the closet, became a powerful symbol of the void left by Jota’s absence.

Then, one morning in early August, Luna’s behavior changed. Instead of simply lying among Jota’s clothes, she emerged from the closet with one of his match boots in her mouth. The boot, worn during a memorable Liverpool match, was one of Jota’s prized possessions, a relic of his career that he had kept as a memento. Luna refused to let go, carrying the boot to her bed and guarding it fiercely. When Rute tried to gently take it away, Luna whimpered and held on tighter, her eyes fixed on the boot as if it were a piece of her owner. This moment, shared by Rute on social media with a simple caption—“Luna misses you, Diogo”—sparked an outpouring of support from fans worldwide, who saw in Luna’s actions a reflection of their own grief.

The Bond Between Jota and Luna

Jota’s affection for Luna was no secret. In interviews, he often spoke about the joy his pets brought to his family, particularly during the challenging times of a footballer’s life. Luna, named after Jota’s esports team, Luna Esports, was more than just a pet—she was a companion who shared in the highs and lows of his journey. Jota’s passion for gaming, particularly FIFA, was well-documented; he once reached the top of the FIFA Ultimate Team Champions leaderboard and even celebrated a goal by mimicking playing a controller, a gesture later immortalized in FIFA 23. Luna, fittingly, was a nod to this side of his life, embodying his playful spirit both on and off the pitch.

Luna’s attachment to Jota was evident in small, everyday moments. She would greet him at the door after matches, her tail wagging furiously, and often joined him during family outings. When Jota was away for matches or international duty, Luna would wait by the window, her ears perked for the sound of his car. This bond, built over years of companionship, made Luna’s reaction to his absence all the more heart-wrenching. Animal behaviorists suggest that dogs grieve much like humans, often seeking out items with their owner’s scent to cope with loss. Luna’s fixation on Jota’s closet and, later, his match boot, was her way of holding onto the man who had been her world.

The Football Community’s Response

The story of Luna and the match boot resonated deeply with the football community, adding another layer to the tributes pouring in for Jota. Liverpool Football Club, where Jota had become a fan favorite, retired his number 20 shirt in a poignant gesture announced at 20:20 BST on July 11, 2025. During their first pre-season friendly against Preston North End, fans sang Jota’s song in the 20th minute, while players like Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo paid tribute with celebrations mimicking Jota’s signature moves. The match program featured a black-and-white photo of Jota holding the Premier League trophy, a nod to his role in Liverpool’s historic 20th title.

Beyond Liverpool, tributes came from across the globe. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo called Jota’s death “senseless,” while former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp described him as “a great friend, a loving husband, and father.” Even the rock band Oasis paid homage during their reunion tour, displaying Jota’s number 20 jersey on screen during a performance of “Live Forever.” The Portuguese Football Federation declared that Jota and André’s legacy would be honored daily, while fans gathered at Anfield, leaving flowers, scarves, and messages of condolence.

Luna’s story, however, brought a uniquely personal dimension to these tributes. Fans shared images of their own pets, drawing parallels to Luna’s loyalty, while animal welfare organizations in Portugal and the UK launched campaigns in Jota’s memory, encouraging adoptions and donations to shelters. The hashtag #LunaLovesDiogo trended on social media, with fans posting messages like, “Luna’s love for Diogo shows us how deep a bond can be. Rest in peace, legend.”

A Legacy Beyond the Pitch

Diogo Jota’s legacy extends far beyond his goals and trophies. He was a family man, a gamer, and a community figure who never forgot his roots in Gondomar. His funeral, held on July 5, 2025, in Porto, saw teammates like Virgil van Dijk and Andy Robertson carry floral tributes shaped like Jota’s and André’s jersey numbers. The Bishop of Porto, Manuel Linda, spoke of “solidarity in love” being stronger than death, a sentiment echoed by those who knew Jota’s warmth and generosity.

Luna’s devotion has become a symbol of Jota’s enduring impact. The match boot she clung to, now carefully preserved by Rute, is a reminder of the moments Jota cherished—moments of triumph, family, and love. As Liverpool prepares for the new season, the absence of Jota’s number 20 on the pitch will be felt deeply, but his spirit lives on in the fans’ songs, his teammates’ memories, and Luna’s unwavering loyalty.

Conclusion

The story of Luna and Diogo Jota’s match boot is a poignant reminder of the connections that define us, even in the face of tragedy. For Jota’s family, Luna’s actions are a source of comfort, a daily reminder that his presence lingers in their home. For fans, it’s a story of love and loss that transcends football, touching the universal human experience of grief. As Liverpool and the football world continue to honor Jota’s memory, Luna’s loyalty stands as a testament to the man he was—a champion on the pitch and a beloved figure in the lives of those who knew him best. Diogo Jota may be gone, but through Luna’s devotion, his legacy endures, one match boot at a time.